Midwest Aquatics and Exotics

I am giving some serious consideration to submitting an application to the Pepsi refresh campaign under the category of environment. I would apply for the $5000.00 level. My submission would be to use plant tissue culture practices to preserve endangered and threatened plant species. My strategy would be to obtain seed or plant material to initiate it into sterile culture. The next step would be multiply the plant material and mass produce it. It would the be hardened off and adjusted to greenhouse conditions. Once the plants are able to survive out of a sterile environment I would make arrangements with the Nature Conservancy, extension offices, zoo's, botanical gardens and other conservation groups to introduce these plants into their native habitats. I will gain the experience of practicing the art of plant tissue culture and be able to preserve plant species for generation to come. What a legacy!